Sound waves travel fastest through solids compared to liquids and gases. This speed difference is due to the density and the structural properties of the states of matter. In a solid, the particles are closely packed together, which allows sound waves to be transmitted quickly through vibrations. The tightly arranged molecules can efficiently transmit the sound energy from one particle to another.
In contrast, when sound travels through liquids, the particles are further apart than in solids, which slows down the transmission of sound. Although sound still travels relatively quickly in liquids, it is not as fast as in solids. Finally, sound travels slowest in gases. In gases, the particles are much more spread out, meaning it takes longer for the vibrational energy to move from one particle to the next.
To summarize, sound waves travel fastest in solids, followed by liquids, and slowest in gases. This principle is important in various applications, including construction, acoustics, and even in understanding natural phenomena.